MAX BioPharma updates on oxysterol drug candidate targeting MASH, atherosclerosis, and inflammation

MAX BioPharma Advances Oxy210 for Treating MASH and Atherosclerosis

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2024 – MAX BioPharma, Inc. has announced significant progress in its research on Oxy210, an oxysterol-based drug candidate, showcasing its potential in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and atherosclerosis. Recently published in the journal Cells, the study highlights Oxy210’s anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Oxy210 is part of MAX BioPharma’s Oxysterol Therapeutics® platform, which facilitates the discovery of various drug candidates for conditions such as bone regeneration, infections, cancer, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation.

Oxy210’s unique mechanisms of action target multiple cellular signaling pathways, unlike many drugs that focus on a single pathway. This multifaceted approach is particularly relevant for complex diseases like MASH, often accompanied by atherosclerosis, the primary cause of death in MASH patients.

Research led by Dr. Jake Lusis and Dr. Simon Hui at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine demonstrated Oxy210’s effectiveness in reducing fibrosis in a humanized mouse model of MASH. The mice exhibited typical MASH symptoms, such as liver inflammation, fat deposition, and fibrosis. Oxy210 not only inhibited fibrosis but also decreased hepatic lipid accumulation and the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors like TGF-β, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1. Furthermore, Oxy210’s potential extends beyond the liver, as it also reduced inflammation in adipose tissue.

The latest findings reported in Cells underline Oxy210’s significant impact on atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, alongside MASH. Treatment with Oxy210 resulted in lowered cholesterol levels, decreased macrophage proliferation, and reduced macrophage content within the artery walls. These results, combined with in vitro evidence of Oxy210’s anti-inflammatory effects on aortic endothelial cells and macrophages, suggest that Oxy210 could be a valuable therapeutic candidate for MASH, atherosclerosis, and other chronic inflammatory diseases linked to metabolic dysfunction.

Dr. Lusis expressed enthusiasm about the promising results, highlighting the urgent need for effective MASH therapies. The humanized hyperlipidemic mouse model used in their research closely mirrors the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in humans, providing a reliable framework for studying MASH. Dr. Hui emphasized the significance of Oxy210’s combined anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and cholesterol-lowering effects, advocating for further exploration of this compound as a therapeutic candidate for both MASH and atherosclerosis.

Dr. Frank Stappenbeck, Director of Chemistry at MAX BioPharma, noted that oxysterol-based molecules have been instrumental in the company’s drug discovery efforts across various therapeutic areas. He likened Oxy210 to a Swiss-army knife due to its multifaceted beneficial properties, a rare combination in drug candidates.

MAX BioPharma is currently conducting additional pre-clinical studies required by the FDA for Oxy210’s clinical development. The company is actively seeking strategic partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms to advance the development and commercialization of oxysterol-based drugs. Additionally, MAX BioPharma is raising a series A financing round to support its therapeutic development programs.

Dr. Farhad Parhami, Founder, President, and CEO of MAX BioPharma, expressed hope that Oxy210 could offer an effective and safe solution for MASH, a condition with limited treatment options. The recent FDA approval of a MASH treatment has reignited hope for patients, and Dr. Parhami is optimistic about advancing MASH therapeutics with Oxy210.

MAX BioPharma, a preclinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in California, specializes in developing novel small molecule lipids for treating severe human diseases. The company leverages its robust intellectual property portfolio to pioneer Oxysterol Therapeutics®, aiming to create therapies for a wide range of medical conditions. Through its innovative approach, MAX BioPharma has discovered new osteogenic oxysterols that promote bone formation and is developing small molecule oxysterols to treat cancers and fibrotic diseases.